In short :
On June 4, 2025, the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment announced the drafting of a new National Policy for Senior Citizens, reflecting changing demographic and welfare needs.
Highlights from the Fourth Meeting of National Council for Senior Citizens :
- Digital Inclusion for access to services like pensions and healthcare.
- Institutionalising NGOs and elder associations in policymaking.
- Mechanisms for grievance redressal and elder abuse prevention.
- Setting minimum standards for old-age homes and senior care.
- Promoting community engagement and intergenerational bonding.
Why a New Policy is Needed :
- India’s elderly population projected to rise from 8.2% (2011) to 12.16% (2026) and 20% by 2047.
Challenges such as:
- Lack of geriatric healthcare & rising out-of-pocket expenses.
- Economic insecurity due to limited pension coverage.
- Social isolation, neglect, and elder abuse.
- Digital exclusion amidst digitization of essential services.
- Poor infrastructure and quality in elder care institutions.
| Background and Legal Framework Article 41: Directs the state to secure public assistance in old age. Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007: Legal obligation on children/heirs to maintain elderly parents; provision of tribunals and old-age homes. Previous policy: National Policy on Older Persons (1999) and a draft in 2011.These are now outdated due to demographic and social changes. |
Review of Existing Schemes :
- Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY): Over 5 lakh seniors given assisted-living devices.
- Integrated Programme for Senior Citizens (IPSrC): Supports 708 NGOs for homes, physiotherapy centres, and mobile medicare units.
- These come under the National Action Plan for Welfare of Senior Citizens (2020).
| UPSC Relevance GS Paper II: Governance, Social Justice – Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. GS Paper I (Society): Demographic trends and social challenges.Ethics Paper (GS IV): Values of compassion, dignity, and intergenerational equity. Essay/Interview: Elderly care and inclusive policy in ageing societies. Possible Essay Topic : “A Nation is Judged by How it Treats its Elderly” |
